Whether you’re aiming to keep up with your certifications and stay compliant in a healthcare environment, you need emergency care skills to work in a childcare environment, or you simply want to boost your career with universal skills that benefit employers across the board, first aid classes can go a long way.
There are different options to pick from when it comes to first aid training centers. Finding one in a good location is important, but other factors such as course length, how quickly you can be certified, and the quality of the lessons themselves play an important role, too. For that reason, we’re going to look at some of the top first aid training providers, helping you find the courses and providers that best suit your needs.
Safety Training Seminars – Cost-Effective and AHA-certified
Offering American Heart Association-accredited training, the woman-owned Safety Training Seminars (or STS) offers a wide range of courses, including BLS, ACL, general CPR, and first-aid certifications in 70 locations throughout Northern and Central California. Its adherence to AHA standards and wide range of course materials make it a choice suited to professionals.
STS has designed its courses with flexibility and convenience in mind. Courses are offered daily, including evenings and weekends, to suit a wide range of schedules, with on-site corporate options offered for workplaces as well.
Its courses operate a hybrid learning model, with skills testing done in person, while theory learning is done online. In-person learning includes manikin drills, voice-assisted manikins for a more immersive learning experience, AED use, and realistic scenario training.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing across the board
- Offers same-day certification
- Versatile scheduling with evening and weekend courses
- Professionally focused training
- Guarantees a 100% pass rate
Cons
- Hybrid classes may not offer enough hands-on for complete beginners
- Regionally focused, predominantly in CA
- Advanced courses have higher costs
Health & Safety Institute – Designed For Corporate Readiness
A joint venture between brands like ASHI and Medic First Aid, Health & Safety Institute (or HSI) is a company that offers a wide range of health and safety services, including EHS software, on top of CPR and first-aid training.
They offer modular programs, largely delivered online, typically aimed at workplaces and large groups. Although their services extend beyond first-aid training, which is only one of their offerings, their overall suite of health and safety services is well-suited to large organizations.
Pros
- Cost-effective for large group training
- OSHA-compliant and ready for the workplace
- Engaging scenario-based instruction
- Also supports in-house training programs
- Good for ensuring organizational readiness
Cons
- Training is not the sole focus of the company
- Not well suited for solo learners
- Compliance takes precedence over skills education
Save A Life Certifications – Fully Online First Aid Lessons
Offering fully online CPR, AED, and First Aid courses certified by PIM and in keeping with ICLOR standards, Save A Life Certifications offers a flexible and self-paced learning environment.
Their courses are designed with individual learning in mind, with unlimited test retakes so that those who might take a little longer to earn their certifications don’t need to worry about paying time and time again. With lifetime recertification options and instant digital certification, they prioritize convenient and immediate results.
Pros
- Fully online and self-paced
- Instant digital certification
- Unlimited test retakes
- Life recertifications offered
- Course fees pay for training in underserved communities
Cons
- Zero hands-on training
- Acceptance may depend on the employer/state
- Not OSHA or AHA certified
National CPR Foundation – Fast, Affordable Certification
Offering low-cost and fully online courses, National CPR Foundation delivers quick and convenient training that is AHA/ECC/OSHA-aligned. Alongside CPR, AED, and First Aid Training, they also offer Bloodborne Pathogens training, which is not provided by many other first aid training schools.
Although it has relatively few locations and a smaller reach, its straightforward certification, which provides both wallet cards and digital credentials, can be a good choice for those who are looking to keep their knowledge up-to-date in a way that is affordable and quick.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Fast completion and provides an instant eCard
- Offers group discounts
- Courses led by AHA-trained curriculum authors
- Flexible for a wide range of schedules
Cons
- No hands-on skills practice
- Content depth is somewhat limited
- May not be accepted by all employers
Nation’s Best CPR – Passionate, Hands-On Training
A woman-owned company based in the Central and Eastern US, Nation’s Best CPR provides hands-on and OSHA-compliant training, with CPR, AED, and other courses. They’ve worked with thousands of both businesses and professionals, with courses led by professionals who are routinely praised for their passion and attention to detail.
Their offerings are largely tailored to small workplaces and groups, and they are somewhat regionally limited. Even their online offerings are designed to fit a certain schedule, which can vary by region.
Pros
- Good hands-on learning options
- Instructors praised for passion and dedication
- Good customer support
- Community-drive
- Group and corporate options
Cons
- Regional availability online
- Online learning options are limited
- Higher prices than other competitors
The Expedition School – Excellent Wilderness Emergency Care
Located in Austin, Texas, The Expedition School is a provider that combines CPR and wilderness first aid, creating immersive outdoor learning scenarios designed for those working in rugged or remote conditions.
Their training is highly specific and aimed at those providing services like wilderness rescue, but their techniques have been lauded for supporting real-world rescue efforts, and they stand out as one of the best in wilderness emergency care.
Pros
- Dedicated wilderness emergency care lessons
- Hands-on, immersive learning environments
- Group-oriented classes
- Certification tailored ot real-world scenarios
- Great for outdoor enthusiasts
Cons
- Located only in Austin, TX
- Not designed for standard workplace certification
- Pricier than typical first aid lessons
Final Thoughts
Adding first aid skills to your resume, be it CPR training or more specific still, with real accreditation, can be a significant boost to your resume. If you work in the healthcare or childcare industries, they may even be an essential part of the skills upkeep associated with your role. Hopefully, you can find the training provider that matches your needs above.